PM Modi Seeks 9 Minutes At 9 PM On April 5 To Fight Corona Virus

Bhubaneswar: Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that we are setting an example for the world to follow. To fight the darkness that the deadly coronavirus pandemic has caused we need light.

He urged everyone to switch off the lights of their houses at 9 pm on April 5 for 9 minutes and instead light a candle, diya or turn on flashlights or mobile phone’s flash in showing their solidarity in the fight against the darkness. PM stressed that this must be done at the confinement of our homes and not come out on the roads or done en masse. The social distancing being one of the most powerful weapons to fight COVID-19, it must be followed along with other lockdown guidelines.

"We must all go through this darkness together... those who are most affected by this are the poor and the marginalised. To overcome this darkness, we must all unite to spread the light... make this darkness of coronavirus meet the light we all spread," said the Prime Minister.

During his 20-minute address, PM Modi lauded the people for their cooperation in the 21-day lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. He said it set an exemplary example for the rest of the world. He also lauded ‘Janta, Sashan and Prashashan’ (public, government and administration) who have been working in sync in the battle against the epidemic.

The Prime Minister said that unity is our strength and we must continue to be united in the fight till we reach the end. However, he did not mention the lockdown extension or what would be done once it comes to an end on April 14.